Even if you accidentally misuse prescription stimulants, the physical effects and consequences can be the same.

Here are some important rules to remember if your doctor or other healthcare professional prescribes you a prescription stimulant:

• Honestly and completely answer all your doctor’s or other healthcare professional's questions about medical history, allergies, and other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, that you take. If there is something you don’t know, your parents will help fill in the blanks!

• Ask your doctor or other healthcare professional what effects and side effects to expect.

• Tell your doctor or other healthcare professional about any unexpected reactions. Right away!

• Always follow the directions of your prescription. (IMPORTANT: Never take a larger dose or take more often than the prescription says.)

• Never use your prescription medications to treat illnesses, pain or injuries other than for which it was prescribed.

• Never share your prescription medications with anyone.

• Never take anyone else’s prescription medications.

• Keep your prescription medication in a safe place where no one else can use it by mistake or on purpose.

Any misuse of prescription stimulants is dangerous, even if it’s not intentional. Use your medication only as directed by your doctor or other healthcare professional.

If you follow directions on the container or bottle of your medicine, you can take your medication with very little chance of problems.

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